first time visit

[chuds]

Booked for Xmas this year any tips for this time of year ? wont be driving but want to get to universal, Discovey Cove and Kenneddy any suggestions as to the best and easiest ways to get to these places taking 2 children and a wife who has mobility probs.

 

[Sue F UK]

Hi Chuds and welcome to the Dis,

Getting around without a car in Orlando is not the easiest of tasks but really depends on where you are staying. Onsite at Disney or off? If you are on I-Drive then the I-Ride trolley is great for getting to Seaworld, Universal etc. but your wife may have problems getting on and off if she has mobility problems. Many of the I-Drive hotels have free shuttle buses going to Disney and the other parks but you would need to check on this before you go.

If you are staying onsite the Disney transportation system is very well organised for the Disney parks but you may have to resort to getting taxis etc. to the other parks. I am sure there is a company that does excursion trips out to Kennedy space centre but for the moment their name escapes me...

If you are staying in a villa, forget it - you need a car.

We have taken my mother, who is partially disabled, with us for the last two years - she uses and electric disability scooter in the UK and the airline flew it over to the US free of charge. These scooters can also be hired in all the main theme parks.

I do honestly think that we would have struggled without the car though, and would urge you to consider hiring one if it is at all an option.

If you let us know exactly where you are staying I am sure someone will be able to give more specific help and advice.

 

[chuds]

Thanks Sue F UK staying on site at WDW, PO going with Virgin did consider a car at first but the Mrs didnot like the idea !

 

[vernon]

Particularly for KSC I would suggest you rethink the car option. You don't have to rent a car for the whole time, but for off site visits, particularly if your wife has some mobility problems , a car or van is going to make life much easier. You could book a car for just one week of your visit and do all the Disney stuff while you don't have a car, using their transport system, then use the car for off site visits and shopping. All the parks have areas close to the entrance to park and I think IOA and US have valet parking depending on how demanding her problems are. IMHO, in most case, having a car would be a major help if you have mobility problems not a hindrance.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

I agree with Veron and Sue that having a car is a big advantage. If you are staying at a Disney hotel visiting any of the Disney theme parks will not be a problem as there is a very good transportation system (although we often ignore it and and use our car because of the extra flexibility it gives us). However, any visits to the rest of Orlando could easily turn out to be a tiresome experience of catching several buses to get to your destination, or the expense of ordering taxis to and from the many non-Disney attractions on offer.

I can assure you that driving around Orlando is very easy indeed. Roads are big and wide, drivers are normally curtious, speeds are slow, traffic moves freely and sign-posting is pretty good. And petrol is unbelieveably cheap! Although it is possible to visit Orlando without a car, I think having one makes abig difference to the enjoyment of your holiday.

Regards

Rob